As she gears up for her next challenge in Melbourne, it’s evident that the Belarusian star is also considering life beyond tennis, aiming to find a balance between her successful career and a fulfilling family life.
Aryna Sabalenka, currently the WTA World No. 1, has stunned fans and the
tennis world by openly discussing the possibility of retirement and her desire
to start a family soon. The 26-year-old, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise in
recent years, admitted that her career as a professional athlete may not extend
into her 30s, stating she doesn’t want to wait until she’s 35 to have children.
Sabalenka, who has firmly established herself at the top of women’s tennis
with her powerful game, is in the prime of her career. She finished 2024 as the
world No. 1, after clinching titles at the Cincinnati Open, US Open, and Wuhan
Open. This was a tremendous achievement, considering the challenges she
faced during the season. Notably, her main rival Iga Świątek was temporarily
sidelined due to a suspension, allowing Sabalenka to claim the top spot.
The Belarusian’s victory at the US Open and her consistent dominance
throughout 2024 showcased her growth and resilience. Her year was also
marked by personal hardship, including the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend
Konstantin Koltsov in March. The emotional toll of this loss, combined with
the death of her father at a young age, has profoundly shaped Sabalenka’s
perspective on life and family.
During a recent interview with Australian Open TV, Sabalenka shared her
thoughts on retirement, stating, “Being a professional athlete, I’m kind of like
getting really close to retirement, can you believe that? People retire at 30.”
Her comment highlights the reality faced by many professional athletes, whose
careers are often relatively short. Even more surprising was her revelation
about wanting to start a family sooner rather than later.
“I don’t know, it’s a tough question. I hope I’ll have a family. I love kids, I want
to have kids. I don’t want to have my first kid at 35,” she explained. Sabalenka
shared that her current plan is to have a child and return to professional tennis
afterward, ensuring that her child would witness her hard work and dedication
to achieving her goals.
This revelation comes at a time when Sabalenka is at the peak of her career,
and the idea of stepping away from tennis to focus on family may seem
unexpected. However, Sabalenka’s passion for motherhood is clear. Many top
athletes have successfully balanced motherhood and their professional careers,
including Serena Williams, Belinda Bencic, and Victoria Azarenka. Sabalenka
could very well follow in their footsteps, returning to tennis after starting a
family.
For now, Sabalenka is focused on her immediate goal: winning a third
consecutive Australian Open title. She has already made a strong start,
defeating former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in straight sets in the
opening round. While her plans for the future are uncertain, her commitment
to winning and achieving more on the court remains a top priority for the time
being.
As she enters 2025, Sabalenka is not only playing for more Grand Slam titles
but is also contemplating a future that extends beyond tennis. Her openness
about retirement and family plans has given fans a glimpse into her
aspirations off the court. Despite the emotional challenges she has faced,
Sabalenka’s determination and clarity of purpose in both her professional and
personal life are sure to make her an even more inspiring figure in the years to
come.
With her current trajectory, Sabalenka is set to dominate the tennis world for
the foreseeable future. However, as she prepares for her next challenge in
Melbourne, it’s clear that the Belarusian star is also looking beyond the sport,
with hopes of balancing her tennis career with a fulfilling family life.
